Varicella vaccine
The varicella vaccine protects against the disease, a disease of viral origin, often during childhood and very contagiousn.
Immunization Schedule
The varicella vaccine is given by injection when children are between 12 and 15 months old. Then they receive a booster jab) to extend protection when they are between 4 and 6 years.
Children older than 6 years who have not yet turned 13 or have had chickenpox, you can also manage two doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum interval of 3 months.
Children who are aged 13 years who have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against this disease need to get two doses of this separated by a minimum interval of one month vaccine.
Why is it advisable
The varicella vaccine is effective in preventing severe cases of the disease in most children who receive it. It presents up to 85% effective in preventing mild cases of the disease. Vaccinated children who develop the disease usually have mild cases.
What is chickenpox and how is it spread?
- Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus.
- Upsets, fever and skin lesions (pimples and small blisters) caused much itching.
- It is highly contagious; People with chickenpox can spread the infection, by air or by contact, from 1-2 days before lesions appear, until all of them are dry, crusted in phase.
- Due to its high infectivity, children with chickenpox can not attend daycare or school for a period of 6-7 days.
- Overall it is a benign disease, but complications can occur that require treatment or hospitalization in one in six children involved. Although rare, they have also been cases of death from varicella in previously healthy children.
Possible risks associated
Severe reactions, such as allergic reactions are extremely rare.Possible mild effects include pain and redness at the puncture site, fever, fatigue and illness like chickenpox. eruptions until one month after the application of the vaccine may occur. These eruptions can last several days but eventually disappear without treatment. There is a very small febrile seizures after vaccination risk.
When postpone or avoid vaccination
The varicella vaccine is not recommended if:
- your child is sick at the time of vaccination, although simple colds or other mild illnesses should not prevent immunization
- your child has previously had an allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin reaction requiring medical treatment
Talk to your doctor about whether it is appropriate to give your child the chickenpox vaccine in the event that:
- You have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the same vaccine
- It has recently received gamma globulin or a blood transfusion
- suffering from a disorder that affects the immune system (such as cancer); you are taking prednisone, steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs; or you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
It is possible that your child’s doctor considers that the benefits of vaccinating your child outweigh its potential risks.
Pregnant women should not get chickenpox vaccine until after giving birth.
Taking care of your child after administering the vaccine
The pain and fever can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.Consult your child’s doctor to see if you can administer any of these medications and to find out the appropriate dose.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your child’s doctor if:
- doubts about whether it should postpone or avoid the vaccine
- there are problems after vaccination
